USGA & The National Alliance For Accessible
Golf Expand Golf Opportunities For Individuals With Disabilities
Far Hills, N.J., and Reston, Va. - Through a grant from the United States
Golf Association, the National Alliance for Accessible Golf is expanding
its efforts to provide financial assistance and resources to help make the
game of golf more accessible to people with disabilities.
Since 1991, the USGA has provided more than $5 million in grants to more
than 150 nonprofit organizations that introduce or reacquaint individuals
with disabilities to golf. To date, 75,000 people have benefited from such
programs. With funding from a USGA grant, the Alliance will for the first
time administer a grant-application process for organizations that provide
golf programs for individuals with disabilities.
"The USGA believes that golf should be open to everyone and is proud to
support organizations that serve individuals with disabilities through the
game," said USGA President Jim Hyler. "The USGA is pleased to work with the
National Alliance for Accessible Golf and looks forward to the expansion of
opportunities made possible by USGA grant funds."
These grants will defray core program costs and support programs to help
golfers with disabilities both learn and transition into playing the game.
Eligibility guidelines and application materials are available at
www.accessgolf.org in the Grants section.
The USGA will also support the Alliance's efforts, particularly its GAIN
(Golf: Accessible and Inclusive Networks) initiative, which offers
community, clinic and camp programs for people with disabilities that help
them become involved in golf through lessons, playing and social aspects of
the game.
"We are excited about partnering with the USGA in its efforts to support
golf education and inclusion opportunities for people with disabilities
through grants administered by the National Alliance for Accessible Golf,"
said Alliance President Dr. Betsy Clark.
"Perhaps more so than any other sport, golf provides individuals with
disabilities with exceptional recreational, competitive and rehabilitative
opportunities," said USGA Grants Committee Chairman Gene McClure. "The
unique nature of the game, along with the USGA Handicap System and 'A
Modification of the Rules of Golf for Golfers with Disabilities,' helps
make this possible."
